Owning a car is not only a big investment – it’s also a big responsibility. You want your family and friends to be safe when traveling with you, whether that is across town or cross country. 53 Auto has these tips to help you get prepared and stay safe on the road.
Keep a tool kit in your car. Be prepared for minor issues on the road, so that you are prepared at all times. Your car tool kit should include: a tire changing kit, socket wrenches, ratcheting tools, a wrench for torque and one that is adjustable, and both a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver as well. Don’t skimp on your tools: you want tools that are reliable and up to the task at hand.
Learn to change your taillights and headlights. Some vehicles make it easier to do, but if you are on a trip and need to change a light, it’s helpful to know how to do it yourself. See if anyone you know can give you a lesson.
Purchase a Roadside Assistance Plan. If you want to be sure to have an advocate on your side when you need your car serviced, consider joining the American Automobile Association or AAA. This can be a big help if you need to get a tow or work with an auto repair shop. The discounts they provide will end up saving you money over time. Also check with your insurance company to see if you have Roadside Assistance as part of your insurance policy.
Know what the icons on your dashboard mean. Keep an eye on all of the warning lights on your dashboard and know what they mean. These lights are there to let you know when your car has a problem and should not be ignored! Yes, there are sometimes false positives, but it is risky to ignore these warning lights. If you do so, a problem can get worse and become more costly to fix.
Use only Certified Technicians. When choosing an auto repair shop, check to see if their technicians are certified. The ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) seal is a good sign. This will tell you if they are properly trained and will provide you with quality service.
Keep good records of all work that is done on your car. Grab a big envelope and keep all of your auto repair records in your car. Your technician will find this very helpful and may also aid in filing warrantly claims on your vehicle.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. When discussing your car's problem with a technician, question him or her about the repair and why it is needed. Ask about things other than just the cost of repairs. How long will this job take? Ask questions about the work being performed and why it is needed. How much does each part cost? Ask about anything else that you think of. The more you find out, the more confident you will be when future repairs are needed--especially if this becomes a recurring issue.
At 53 Auto, we are committed to providing the very best in automotive repair, service, and preventative maintenance on both domestic and import cars. From oil changes and tune ups, to transmission repair and brake service, we can handle anything that your vehicle needs, from top to bottom. Stop by the shop at 145 S Pattie in Wichita or call us at 316-867-2053 to schedule your service appointment.